Search Results (4,193)

Dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) is essential for aquatic animal growth and health, but studies in bivalves are still limited. Here, microcapsule diets with increasing ARA concentrations (ARA1-6 groups: 0.35, 3.01, 5.25, 6.88, 8.69, and 10.27 mg g⁻¹ dry matter) were prepared by spray drying, and clam Sinonovacula constricta juveniles were fed these diets for 14 days. Results showed that dietary ARA concentrations did not significantly affect clams’ survival, weight gain, and shell length gain rates. The clams in the ARA6 group had significantly higher crude lipid content than those in the other microcapsule groups. The ARA concentrations in the clams increased with higher dietary ARA, while n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations decreased. The mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase 2 and 5-lipoxygenase type 2 were significantly higher in the ARA5 and ARA6 groups compared to the ARA1 group. The mRNA levels of 5-lipoxygenase type 3, toll-like receptor 4, and nuclear factor-kappa b p50 (nfκb p50) were significantly higher in the ARA6 group compared to the ARA1 group. As dietary ARA concentrations increased, the mRNA levels of glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit and glutathione S-transferase, along with malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased in the clams. Additionally, the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the ARA5 and ARA6 groups were significantly higher than those in the ARA1 and ARA2 groups. Clam ARA content, acting as a central node, showed very strong positive correlations with MDA and cyclooxygenase 2, and very strong negative correlations with EPA and the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio. Our results revealed that high dietary ARA, while not affecting growth, reduced the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio and induced a response characterized by the upregulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 pathway genes in S. constricta. Full article

The Oligocene–Miocene magmatic rocks extensively developed in the Gangdese magmatic belt are key records of the post-collisional tectono-magmatic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, petrological, zircon U-Pb geochronological, zircon Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical investigations were carried out on two granitic porphyry stocks exposed in the Chunzhe area of the middle Gangdese belt. LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb dating, cathodoluminescence (CL) images and trace element characteristics indicate that the granitic porphyries were emplaced at 11.8 ± 0.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.1) and 11.5 ± 0.1 Ma (MSWD = 1.2), with a small number of zircon grains yielding ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 51.1~59.5 Ma, 29.8 Ma and 19.4~12.2 Ma, which are interpreted as inherited or captured zircon components. The analyzed samples are monzogranite porphyries composed mainly of quartz, plagioclase and alkali feldspar, with variable secondary white mica/sericite. In whole-rock composition, they display high-K calc-alkaline and weakly peraluminous characteristics. These rocks are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) such as Ba, Sr and Rb, and relatively depleted in Nb-Ta-Ti as well as Cr and Ni. They show light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment and heavy rare earth element (HREE) depletion, with distinctly high chondrite-normalized La/Yb ratios (31.05~71.25) and Sr/Y ratios (35.90~49.07), and a positive correlation between the LREE/HREE ratio and La content, indicating robust adakite-like trace element characteristics. Zircon εHf(t) values of the Miocene magmatic rocks range from −4.44 to 2.41, corresponding to two-stage Hf model ages of 1380~944 Ma, suggesting that the magmas were mainly derived from juvenile continental crust materials with the addition of a small amount of ancient continental crust materials. Combined with the regional geological setting, the Chunzhe Miocene granitic porphyries were most likely generated by partial melting of the thickened lower crust in the Gangdese belt during the late stage of Oligocene–Miocene post-collisional magmatism; local lower-crustal delamination may also have contributed, although this is not uniquely constrained by the present dataset. Full article

Immune dysregulation is being increasingly recognized as a prominent feature of a wide range inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) with different molecular backgrounds. Among the manifestations of immune dysregulation, inflammatory arthritis has emerged as an important yet underrecognized complication that may occur across multiple IEI categories, including humoral immunodeficiencies (such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia, hyper-IgM syndrome, common variable immunodeficiency, and others), complement deficiencies, disorders of immune dysregulation (STAT3 gain of function mutation, CTLA4 and LRBA haploinsufficiency), and combined immunodeficiencies. In some patients, arthritis may represent the first or predominant clinical manifestation, resulting in a diagnostic challenge in the rheumatologic setting. The pathogenesis of arthritis in IEIs reflects different immunological mechanisms, including the defective clearance of immune complexes, dysregulated B- and T-cell responses, impaired regulatory T-cell function, and aberrant cytokine signaling. Clinically, IEI-associated arthritis may mimic classical rheumatologic conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other connective tissue diseases, although distinctive immunological and histopathological features are often present. Recognizing arthritis as a potential manifestation of IEIs has important clinical implications. The presence of specific “red flags”, including treatment refractoriness, recurrent infections, or additional signs of immune dysregulation (other autoimmune diseases, atopy, lymphoproliferation, enteropathy), should prompt targeted immunological evaluation. While management often relies on conventional immunosuppressive therapies, advances in the molecular characterization of IEIs are increasingly enabling the use of targeted treatments directed at the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge of arthritis associated with IEIs, highlighting diagnostic challenges, underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms, and emerging therapeutic perspectives. Full article

In urban areas, green spaces have become the main refuge for biodiversity, providing essential habitat and resources for urban-adapted species. However, scientific evidence on the fitness consequences of urban green space management for urban populations remains scarce, limiting our ability to design successful conservation and management strategies. Here, we assess the fitness consequences of different levels of management practices in green spaces (i.e., high for areas with continuous intervention such as regular mowing and irrigation, and low for areas with minimal, sporadic maintenance) based on a 19-year long-term monitoring of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), a species with high behavioural plasticity in response to human-altered habitats. We formulated a unistate capture–mark–recapture model to estimate age-dependent survival while accounting for uncertainty in recapture probability. Furthermore, by means of GLMMs, we tested if the level of management influences reproductive parameters (i.e., breeding failure, number of eggs, nestlings, fledglings, brood number from the same year, breeding success). We found that high urban green space management caused a decline in adult survival, but we found no effect on juvenile survival. We also found lower breeding failure, a greater number of eggs, and larger brood numbers in the low management areas, but no differences were found in the number of nestlings and fledglings. Consequently, we found no differences in overall breeding success. Our results highlight the reduction in survival in a near-threatened passerine species due to routine green urban space management, in addition to differences in reproductive parameters depending on the degree of green urban space management. Overall, we confirm that the same species show several reproductive strategies with different breeding effort to reach similar breeding success, whatever the human context is. However, birds pay the cost in adult survival, and probably in shortening life span. Therefore, the management of urban green spaces has a negative impact on biodiversity in cities. It is necessary to review the management practices of these urban areas and promote practices that are friendly to biodiversity. Full article

The islet of Vaixell, off the west coast of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain), is home to a native population of the Pityusic wall lizard, Podarcis pityusensis, with the largest body size recorded for the species. These lizards live in extreme environmental conditions on an islet with a small surface area covered by very sparse vegetation. The sex ratio is balanced, and a very high incidence of missing toes and autotomized tails is observed, indicating strong intraspecific competition involving both males and females. The body growth rate, adjusted using the Gompertz model, is intense and, apparently, juvenile lizards quickly reach relatively large body sizes. This fast body growth is probably a strategy against predation pressure from conspecifics. In P. pityusensis from Vaixell, the peak growth acceleration is prenatal and practically coincides with the moment of hatching. The diet consists mainly of aggregated prey, such as ants, with the inclusion of marine subsidies, such as halophyllous and littoral isopods, and a lower consumption of plant matter compared to other insular populations of lizards from the Balearic Islands. The lizards of Vaixell are an excellent example of the adaptive response of a lacertid lizard to the extreme conditions on the small coastal islets of the Mediterranean, with very small available areas, high population density, but a small population size, of about 50 to 100 lizards, which also reach a remarkable longevity. Full article

Anisakis simplex allergens are highly resistant to conventional processing, posing a health risk that limits the use of infested fish both for human consumption and for animal feed. To assess the safety and nutritional value of viscera silage, hake (Merluccius merluccius) viscera were processed with formic acid and stored for four months. Two experimental diets were prepared—one containing silage and another with untreated viscera—alongside a commercial control feed. Juvenile gilthead seabreams (Sparus aurata) were fed these diets for 86 days, and growth performance, muscle composition, and allergenicity were analysed. All groups achieved more than 20% weight gain, and the silage-fed fish showed the lowest residual allergenicity (15.3%), compared to the fish fed untreated viscera (24%) and commercial feed (21.9%). Silage processing caused extensive protein hydrolysis, reducing high-molecular-weight proteins, though some IgE-reactive fragments remained. Proteomic analysis detected only seabream structural and metabolic proteins, with no confirmed Anisakis allergens. These findings indicate that silage produced from Anisakis-infested viscera should not pose a higher risk to consumers than the fishmeal used in aquaculture feeds and could support the valorisation of currently discarded fish viscera. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of a commercially produced, ready-to-use probiotic supplement, dominated by lactic acid bacteria, on the growth performance and selected health indicators of salmon (Salmo salar L.) fry, parr, and presmolts reared for restocking purposes. The results indicated a stage-specific response to probiotic application. In salmon fry, short-term immersion baths were associated with reduced juvenile mortality and improved tolerance to fluctuations in temperature and dissolved oxygen. In parr, immersion treatments were linked to improved growth performance, condition factor, and a lower incidence of gill-cover necrosis compared to the Control group. In presmolts, short-term dietary supplementation with probiotics was associated with increased growth rates relative to Controls. Probiotic application was associated with changes in bacterial isolates and, in some groups, lower antimicrobial resistance (AMR) indices, particularly after 14 days of immersion treatment. Probiotic supplementation was associated with improved growth and increased tolerance to environmental stressors, indicating its potential to support fish welfare and sustainable aquaculture. Full article

Prophylactic antibiotic use in intensive aquaculture promotes antimicrobial resistance, necessitating the development of microbial-based interventions. This study evaluated the individual, complementary, and synergistic effects of Bacillus subtilis natto (BSN) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on the physiological performance and intestinal microecology of juvenile Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Over a 60-day trial, juveniles (initial weight: 5.81 ± 0.03 g) received a basal diet (CON) or a diet supplemented with 10⁷ CFU/g of BSN, LP, or both (BSN+LP). The BSN+LP consortium elicited complementary improvements in final body weight (21.39 ± 0.75 g vs. 18.66 ± 0.44 g in CON) and feed conversion efficiency (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed synergistic upregulation of digestive proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin). Notably, an in pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α) was counterbalanced by substantial upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, 5.65-fold; TGF-β1, 4.48-fold), suggesting the induction of mucosal tolerance rather than pathological enteritis. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the control cohort had a potential baseline microbial, characterized by a high relative abundance of Proteobacteria. BSN+LP administration significantly altered this microbial community into a fermentative eubiosis enriched in Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. Correlation network analyses confirmed negative interaction dynamics: increased abundance of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Muribaculaceae was negatively correlated with baseline pathobiont abundance. These findings indicate that co-administration of BSN and LP hypothetically enhances metabolic energy harvest via short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa, strengthens the gut–immune axis, and competitively mitigates opportunistic pathogens. Full article

The spotted seal (Phoca largha) is a flagship species and natural monument inhabiting Korean coastal waters. Due to its conservation importance and the rarity of carcass discoveries, determining the cause of death of each individual is critical. A juvenile female spotted seal carcass was discovered on the eastern coast of Korea in May 2025. External examination revealed multiple parallel lacerations consistent with propeller strike injuries. Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) was performed prior to necropsy to provide a comprehensive forensic analysis. CT imaging revealed the longest wound measured 10.49 cm in length and 1.58 cm in depth, suggesting a minimum propeller diameter of approximately 19 cm. Skeletal injuries included a coccygeal vertebral fracture and subluxation of the left astragalus and calcaneus. CT images of the respiratory tract showed frothy fluid in the nasal cavity and trachea, as well as ground-glass opacity and consolidation in the lung parenchyma. Necropsy findings confirmed severe pulmonary edema, congestion, and abundant frothy foam throughout the respiratory tract. Histological analysis revealed pulmonary edema with eosinophilic fluid and erythrocytes in alveolar spaces, markedly distended blood vessels, and intra-alveolar hemorrhage. This comprehensive approach demonstrated that the cause of death was drowning, secondary to propeller strike by a small vessel (<4.5 m). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report providing a detailed forensic analysis of a juvenile spotted seal found on the eastern coast of Korea. This case highlights the importance of integrating PMCT with conventional necropsy to improve cause-of-death determination in marine mammal conservation. Full article

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying dietary lipid and starch levels on growth performance, biochemical components, and hepatic glycolipid metabolism in hybrid grouper. Nine isonitrogenous diets were formulated to contain three levels of lipid (6%, 10%, or 14%) and starch (14%, 21%, or 28%) using a 3 × 3 factorial design. Juvenile fish (initial body weight: 19.06 ± 0.03 g) were randomly allocated to 27 floating net cages (25 fish per cage, three replicates per diet) in an indoor seawater recirculation system and hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily. Two-way ANOVA was conducted to check treatment effects of dietary lipid and starch levels. No interaction effect between lipid and starch on growth and feed utilization was observed across all treatments; however, significant interactions between the two were observed for condition factor (CF), and some serum biochemical indicators and some hepatic glycolipid metabolic enzyme activities. Growth rate, specific growth rate, and feed efficiency (FE) exhibited a declining trend with increasing dietary lipid levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI), condition factor, hepatic lipid and glycogen contents, muscle lipid content, serum triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents, as well as hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities, showed an increasing trend (p < 0.05). As lipid levels increased, serum total cholesterol (TC) and total protein (TP) contents dropped to a minimum at the intermediate lipid level (10%) and then rose, regardless of starch level. Hepatic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP) activity increased significantly when lipid level rose from 6% to 10% (p < 0.05). With increasing dietary starch levels, HSI, VSI, hepatic and muscle glycogen contents, and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol content increased, while FE and serum TP content decreased (p < 0.05). Hepatic CPT-1, LPL, FBP, and pyruvate kinase activities were significantly enhanced when starch levels increased from 14% to 21% or 28% (p < 0.05). Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity was significantly higher in fish fed 14% lipid compared to those fed 6% or 10% lipid. These findings indicate that there is no interaction of dietary lipid and starch on growth and feed utilization, but high dietary lipid (14%) may enhance hepatic lipid oxidation while suppressing glycolysis, thereby limiting growth and promoting hepatic lipid deposition. The results provide a practical reference for optimizing dietary lipid and starch levels in cost-effective feed formulations for hybrid grouper. Full article

The genus Trollius L. remains insufficiently studied in Kazakhstan, necessitating comprehensive monitoring of its distribution and population status assessments. In Kazakhstan, this genus is represented by the following five species: T. asiaticus, T. altaicus, T. dschungaricus, T. lilacinus and T. komarovii. Of those, T. altaicus and T. dschungaricus are the most widely distributed. This study focuses on analyzing the population structure of Trollius altaicus and Trollius dschungaricus in relation to varying ecological and geographical conditions within Kazakhstan, along with conducting a comprehensive morphometric assessment. To study plant communities with Trollius L. species, classical geobotanical methods were applied, including the route-reconnaissance method to determine the species’ range and carry out a detailed population survey which involved the assessment of the age structure of populations and species composition of associated vegetation. Population structure analysis showed that the majority of T. altaicus plants were in the generative stage, with the right skewed age spectrum suggesting a decline in population size. Meanwhile, populations of T. dschungaricus were dominated by juvenile and virginal individuals, with the left skewed age spectrum suggesting a high regenerative potential. The morphometric analysis revealed high variability of plant height, number of leaves, flower diameter, diameter of generative bushes, number of basal leaves, and leaf length and width. The obtained results can serve as a basis for developing effective conservation and management strategies for T. altaicus and T. dschungaricus under ongoing climate change and anthropogenic impact. This research demonstrates that a detailed assessment of phenotypic characteristics is vital for formulating preservation frameworks and managing biological resources sustainably. Full article

Background/Objectives It is known that failure to gain sufficient bone during skeletal growth and maturation phases predisposes to the development of senile osteoporosis as age-related bone loss ensues. There is limited knowledge about factors that are necessary for the pubertal growth spurt and achievement of peak bone mass. Diminution or disappearance of Juvenile Protective Factors (JPFs) after a given maturational stage could contribute to the onset of age-related declines in a variety of physiological functions, including bone physiology. Methods With available pediatric platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and mesenchymal/skeletal stem cells (MSCs), we tested whether proteomics and RNA-seq methodology have potential for the discovery of novel regulators of pubertal skeletal growth. Results Our data demonstrate that pediatric PPP rejuvenates age-related compromised MSC functions; that Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics identified known and novel circulating tissue growth/trophic factors in human PPP of pubertal, as compared with pre-pubertal, and post-pubertal subjects; and that the unbiased RNA-Seq approach revealed new genes and networks of genes that are dramatically elevated or diminished in pubertal MSCs. Conclusions The findings support the hypothesis that the characterization of pro-osteogenic JPFs could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to promote bone health in the elderly and of potential treatment regimens for senile osteoporosis. Full article

Tor sinensis is an emerging aquaculture species in China, yet the effect of dietary protein on its hepatic and intestinal health remains unexplored. This study evaluated the effects of five diets designed to be isoenergetic and isolipidic with graded protein levels (28% to 40%) on juvenile T. sinensis (initial weight: 10 ± 0.4 g) over 60 days. Growth performance improved with increasing protein up to 34%, beyond which it plateaued. Regression analysis indicates that the optimal dietary protein level for both weight gain and specific growth rate is 34.3%. Hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) were highest in the 34% protein group, while triglyceride content was lowest. Histological examination revealed minimal hepatocyte swelling, nuclear displacement, and lipid droplet accumulation at this protein level. Intestinal trypsin activity and villus morphology (height, width, and muscular thickness) were also optimized at 34% protein, though lipase and amylase activities remained unaffected. These findings demonstrate that a 34% dietary protein level supports optimal growth, enhances liver antioxidant capacity, and improves intestinal structure and function in juvenile T. sinensis, providing critical insights for its formulated feed development. Full article

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are crucial biocontrol agents, yet optimizing the yield and quality of infective juveniles (IJs) during commercial liquid production remains challenging. This study utilized a central composite rotatable design to optimize liquid culture parameters (ascaroside, dimethyl sulfoxide, medium volume, IJ inocula) for Heterorhabditis bacteriophora H06 and Steinernema carpocapsae All. The results demonstrated that improving aeration (inferred from reduced media volume), combined with ascr#11 regulation, synergistically enhanced IJ yield and quality. Under optimized conditions, yields reached 3.35 × 10⁵ IJs/mL for H. bacteriophora H06 and 2.67 × 10⁵ IJs/mL for S. carpocapsae All. Crucially, the IJs from the high-yield flask exhibited significantly superior infectivity (24–26% single-IJ infection rate) compared to solid-culture controls (13–14%). Targeted metabolomics profiling of sugar, energy and fatty acids of H. bacteriophora H06 revealed upregulated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates (citrate, pyruvate) and the significant accumulation of stress-protectant trehalose and immune-modulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid, arachidonic acid). These findings establish a fermentation strategy that simultaneously enhances IJ yield and biological quality by reducing media volume (used as a proxy for improved aeration) and supplementing ascr#11. Furthermore, the distinct metabolic profile enriched in energy, stress, and immune-modulating metabolites identified in H. bacteriophora provides a plausible explanatory framework for the parallel phenotypic improvements observed across both species. Full article

Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) is a phytozoophagous crop pest. While the effects of plant-based diets on its development and reproduction have been extensively studied, the combined effects of plant- and prey-based diets on these traits remain poorly understood. This study systematically evaluated the effects of plant-only, prey-only, and mixed plant–prey diets on A. lucorum nymphal survival and development, as well as adult longevity and fecundity, under controlled laboratory conditions. The results demonstrate that diet composition significantly affected nymphal survival and developmental progression. Nymphs fed exclusively on prey (Aphis gossypii Glover or Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) nymphs) failed to complete juvenile development. Although a diet of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) eggs alone enabled some individuals to reach adulthood, survival rates were significantly lower than those in mixed-diet treatments. Mixed feeding markedly improved nymphal survival, with the highest rates observed in groups fed green beans + H. armigera eggs and cotton leaves + B. tabaci nymph combinations (both 64.45%). The developmental duration was also influenced. Mixed diets, particularly green beans + H. armigera eggs, significantly shortened each instar and the total developmental time (11.04 ± 0.17 d), whereas a diet of cotton leaves alone prolonged development (19.45 ± 0.24 d). Adult longevity and reproductive output were likewise diet-dependent. The longest lifespans were recorded in adults fed green beans alone or green beans + H. armigera eggs, while the shortest lifespan was observed for those fed only cotton leaves. Successful oviposition was only achieved following four dietary treatments: green beans alone, green beans + H. armigera eggs, H. armigera eggs alone, and cotton leaves + H. armigera eggs. Among these, the green bean + H. armigera egg diet yielded the best reproductive performance, featuring the shortest pre-oviposition period (5.82 ± 0.60 d), the longest oviposition period (19.41 ± 1.68 d), and the highest mean fecundity per female (238.35 ± 25.51 eggs). This underscores the reproductive advantage of a mixed plant–prey diet. This study clarifies how dietary conditions shape the survival, development, and reproduction of A. lucorum, highlighting its strong reliance on nutritional quality for key life-history traits. These findings offer valuable insights into the ecological adaptations underlying the feeding behavior of this insect. Full article